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Stephen Walker is the Corporate Human Resources Manager at PulteGroup. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, PulteGroup is one of America’s largest homebuilding companies. Stephen also owns his own small business providing DJ Entertainment Services. As a two-time ��������Ƶ alum (he earned his bachelor’s in human resources and marketing and his MBA on the Hill), Stephen was happy to answer a few questions about his education and career experience.

Is there anything specific that you learned at ��������Ƶ that you find yourself using in your current position?


So many things I learned at ��������Ƶ I use at my current job, but one to highlight would be the 4 Ps of marketing (product, price, place, promotion). As an HR professional, it’s important to understand the industry and clients that you’re supporting. The simple concept of the 4 Ps in marketing apply no matter what industry you are in. Understanding how my company operates means I can strategically support all of the business needs from an HR perspective.

"All of the professors are very engaged with helping students grow and learn in a professional environment. All of the education I received has helped manifest my career and I would encourage anyone who is thinking about enrolling to do it because it’s 100% worth it."

What do you like most about having a job in the Human Resources field?

The fun part about my job is seeing how HR has an impact on the daily operations and functions of the home building business. Seeing the final product of our homes where people live out their dreams is both rewarding and empowering in knowing that my role within HR adds value. HR is so important to an organization because people are the most valuable asset to a company. It’s a collective effort to create a culture and environment where people feel motivated to work, and HR has a huge impact on this initiative. 

How did you balance being a student-athlete with the demands of courses and internships while you were an undergrad?

I am originally from the U.S. Virgin Islands and played soccer for four years at ��������Ƶ. At the time it was difficult because I was still learning the concept of time management. I was also balancing a part-time job in the kitchen at the university so it was very challenging. Once I got better at managing my time, I was able to balance it all.

Did anything you learn at ��������Ƶ help prepare you for owning your own business?

Absolutely. One of the main things I learned at ��������Ƶ that helped prepare me to own a small business was mastering my business pitch. While obtaining my MBA in Management, I had courses that helped with practicing the idea of your “elevator pitch.” This helped me to grow my business.

Do you have anything you’d like to share about either the undergrad business or MBA programs at ��������Ƶ with people who may be considering either?

Both the undergrad business program and MBA Program are great programs to help prepare you for your career. All of the professors are very engaged with helping students grow and learn in a professional environment. All of the education I received has helped manifest my career and I would encourage anyone who is thinking about enrolling to do it because it’s 100% worth it.